Background History Preliminary Application Process

Minn. Stat. § 214.035 permits an individual to submit a preliminary application for a determination as to whether a criminal record or conviction would make the individual ineligible to receive an occupational or professional license, registration, or certificate. 

Use this form to request a preliminary eligibility determination based on your criminal record or conviction for an occupational or professional license, registration, or certificate issued by the Commerce Department. 

Complete the form [pdf]

After your preliminary application and any necessary supporting documents have been received, the Commerce Department will determine whether your criminal record or conviction would make you ineligible to receive a professional or occupational license, registration, or certificate issued by the Commerce Department. The Department will issue a written decision within 60 days of receiving your completed preliminary application. 

If the Department determines that your criminal record or conviction would make you ineligible to receive a professional or occupational license, registration, or certificate, the written decision will state all reasons the professional or occupational license, registration, or certificate would be denied, including the standard used to make the decision. It will also inform you of any action or additional steps you could take to qualify for a professional or occupational license, registration, or certificate. 

If the Department determines that no criminal records or convictions would make you ineligible to receive a professional or occupational license, registration, or certificate, that decision is binding on the Department unless: 

• the decision is clearly erroneous under state law; 
• you provided incomplete information in the preliminary application; 
• you provided inaccurate or fraudulent information in the preliminary application; 
• you are convicted of a crime or commit any other disqualifying act that may be considered by the Department under state law after your submission of the preliminary application; or 
• changes to state law were enacted after the date the Department’s decision was issued, making you ineligible under state law to receive a license, registration, or certificate.